Getting heckled while running...

[Nagoo]

I am new to this running lark, only into my second week.

Last night people pulled up alongside me in a car and kerb crawled me for about 500 yards, and I had to 'front up' to them and nearly got in a fight.

I need a strategy please? I thought if I run when there are less people about it wouldn't happen but should I try in the day? I live in a shite town full of scrotes.

I have already worked out that I should run on the opposite side of the road.

Any more tips?

I get heckled all the time! Usually it's just 'run faster' 'come on' '1,2,3,4' and car horn beeping.
About once a week I get 'dickhead' 'fucking bitch' etc. I get people giving me the finger and I've had kids chasing me with metal pipes.

I actually live in a nice area!! I've no idea how I attract this. I run 10 miles plus but slowly, I think it's my speed that makes people shout.

Sorry this wont make you feel better but I'm so glad it's not just me. I have a running buddy now so we just laugh and it feels better, maybe you could find a pal?

I usually run in places with other runners and dog walkers rather than by the side of roads.

But if I have to run by roads I face the traffic and wear headphones and a baseball cap and avoid eye contact.

I had this problem too..made me feel very angry and scared but I refused to be beaten down by their stupidity. couple of suggestions..agree with people re early running..or as early in the day as you can. I also found a baseball cap helped and dark androgynous clothing ( sad but true). Please don't use headphones though unless on a really popular route in the middle of the day...it's too easy to get distracted and not have your wits about you re potential dangers.I usually just kept my head down and running..told myself I was getting healthy but they were stupid lazy lumps of lard!!! please don't give up or let it discourage you...it's one of the best things you can do for your health

One word, Parkrun. There's bound to be one near you! Although its once a week it brings runners of all abilities together. If you're not up to running the full 5k yet you can run walk it. You'll get some great encouragement and support and you may meet people local to you to run with in future. The one I've been attending has almost turned into an unofficial running club where the regulars meet up on other days too and run together, this includes those that still can't run the full 5k, so no one is excluded.

I've never had an incident like yours thankfully. All I've ever had is support, even running around some less than nice towns. If you find it's happening a lot you might find its better to drive somewhere to run, a large park, a forest route, another town or village etc. some people think I'm weird for doing this. But my argument is most people drive to the gym or pool to exercise what's different about going somewhere other than your doorstep to run? Plus it keeps it interesting and you're less likely to get bored by the same routes and scenery.

I have had loads of bother since starting jogging in May, "jog on", "up 2 3 4", "can I join ya" didn't bother me too much.
An obese man shouting "faster" at me, must admit to shouting "fatter" back at him.
A young teenager called me a "fat bloke", im size 12 woman.
Worst was car of lads throwing full bottle of pop at me which splashed all up my legs.

I don't care, im getting fitter and they are still arseholes.

Hmmm, I run and cycle a lot and get this a bit too. Very annoying, but it is counteracted by the smug thought that I am doing something for my health/happiness/well being/the environment whilst they are clearly losers with nothing to make them feel good except being rude to someone doing something worthwhile. Ignore ignore ignore....oh and the little old ladies and kids cheering me on always make me

I think that I must be lucky because I never get it. I always run fairly early in the morning- it just suits me- and maybe that helps. I think you can only ignore- any other strategy is doomed to failure.

I run in what's generally considered to be a pretty rough area and IME there are only 2 heckles. "118 got your number" and "run Forest run". Both are apparently completely original and hysterically funny . Agree with exotic, ignoring is the only thing you can do.

Occasionally I get someone ask if they can come too. I generally say, no problem, only 8 miles to go. They sometimes last 100 yds!

OP try some more clubs. Ours has a walking group, two run/walk groups and running groups starting from very slow indeed to really quite quick. Some clubs are only interested in members who might win something for them, but most are generally social clubs. Where are you?

Thanks for the replies.

I've got lazy in the last week I fell over in the pub and hurt myself but I will get back out there undeterred. I have found a better route as well :)

Go online to RunEngland they have the details of many running groups (which tend to be more welcoming to newbies than 'clubs'). My local running club is quite up itself - more an athletics club than a running club but there are a good 20 other local groups that are much friendlier!

Crikey, how awful. I've never had any of this thankfully.

Not sure what to suggest really but I would go out early morning running. The people who are up are generally going to work (and are hopefully busy/civilised members of society).

I do wonder what the world is coming to...